Air Barrier Rodeo

What is an Air Barrier Rodeo?

An Air Barrier Rodeo is a great way to transfer knowledge from our experts to your members. We offer half-day presentations or full-day presentations combined with hands-on training.

We frequently partner with both, BEC and CSI chapters. Typically, our partners choose topics like Building Science, Air Barrier Materials, Specifications and Details, and Installation Practices.

Our hands-on training is a value added component. Participants are able to practice application methods in a controlled environment.

Want the most comprehensive training in all things air barriers?

Click on the calendar for a list of upcoming events.

This is what we do:

Provide you with different formats of training delivery

Provide expert speakers on-site

Partner with you to organize the event

Engage our members to assist with product donation and support the event financially

Promote the event

Help with sponsorship levels

Report education credits to AIA on your behalf

Help you choose the right topics to present to your members

We have been doing this a long time. If you need more assistance, we can provide you with templates such as:

Budgets

Wall schematics

Material take-offs

Sponsorship levels

Training agendas

Hands on training activities

We help you with all aspects of the event. You use our expertise and experience to ensure your event is a success. For additional details contact us at training@airbarrier.org or call 866.956.5888

Full Day Program

The Air Barrier workshop will provide a full‐day educational workshop on building air tightness from a design, installation and testing aspect. The program will utilize a one hour lecture to review the principles of building science in regards to air and moisture flow, environmental conditions and various design considerations that must be taken into account in the design phase.

The workshop will then transition over to an expert lead, hand’s on practical experience in which an integrated team of 4 individual (one architect, one engineer, one general contractor and one sub‐trade) will work as a team to design the air tightness layer of the building enclosure systems and integration with other systems such as window/glazing units and associated penetrations, masonry anchoring system, etc. Twelve (12) teams in total will compete with 4 teams applying one typically available air barrier product type (self –adhered membrane, fluid applied membrane, thin film mechanically fastened membrane).

Each team will be provided with manufacturer’s instructions, building code information and related publications. The teams will have a specific timeframe to design and install the system, typically of a real life job site that sees the pressure of completion dates and competing trades.

Each mock‐up will then be tested for air tightness based on as industry accepted ASTM test method. An air tightness testing expert has been engaged to perform the tests and report the results, along with an indication of areas of air leakage. The process will be documented with video and shared with the participating teams as a continued learning experience and reference after the educational event. One winner will be selected from each air barrier type installed and one overview winner chosen based on a weighted criteria created by the course developers. A follow‐up session will be held to reinforce the learning and demonstrate how to perform the air tightness test and demonstrate water penetration.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the typical design considerations and priorities for creating a durable, air tightness layer within the building enclosure.

Identify the typical sequence of installation of a specific air barrier product type and understand the compatibility and continuity issues.

Ability to install a specific type of air barrier material and related components in a continuous and durable fashion.

Identify the critical details in the design and installation phase to ensure long‐term durability of the system and long‐term performance.

Sample Format of Day

08:00 – 08:30

Registration

08:30 – 09:30

Presentation on Air Barrier Design and Construction Principles
(Review of day and outline of rules procedures)

09:30 – 12:00

Mock‐up’s (Design, Installation)

12:00 – 13:00

Lunch and Media

13:00 – 16:30

Mock‐up’s (Installation)

Coffee Breaks to be provided at 10:30 and 15:00

Guidelines and Procedures

Four teams will be assigned to a specific product to install. The assignment of products will be made by the organizing committee

One week prior to event, team are notified of what product they will be installing and manufacturer’s information and building code information can be provided to them for review. The teams will be requested to bring this information to the workshop.

Teams will need to design how to install the air barrier and integrate the air barrier with window penetration, round penetration, square penetration, expansion/control joint and masonry anchors that are set in place prior to air barrier application.

Teams will need to install the system in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.

Teams will need to integrate the windows air barrier assembly to the wall air barrier assembly and ensure not only air tightness, but proper water management.

Teams will need to determine sequence and timing issues, as all mock‐ups need to be completed by 4:30 pm at the latest. This will simulate real life conditions that there is a time factor in play and teams will need to properly manage their time and sequence installation issues such as priming (and curing times), curing time of materials prior to other components, compatibility issues between products.

Each team will be provided with the main air barrier material (self‐adhered, fluid applied and mechanically fastened, etc.) and the manufacturers recommended component materials (sealants, caulking, transition materials, joint treatment, etc.).

Each team will be provided with the tools recommended by the manufacturer for their specific product.

Facilitators will be available to assist and provide guidance.

Teams will need to be prepared to present their design concept and sequence of construction.

Judging of mock‐ups will be done by conducting an air tightness test by an industry expert. Each mock‐up will be assigned an air tightness value and indications of where leaks occurred.

Each product category will be judged and one winner from each category will be recognized. An overview winner will be announced.

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